The current generation Acura RL is the flagship of the Acura lineup, and was initially launched for the 2005 model year. Upon its debut, it was lauded for its performance, refinement, and technology, but unfortunately it was not enough to excite customers in the intensely competitive luxury sedan market.
The 2009 Acura RL features Honda’s excellent navigation system. While it lacks some features of other navigation systems, such a bird’s eye view option, the system is easy to use and informative. Also included is real-time traffic data thanks to XM’s NavTraffic service. There are even Zagat-based restaurant rankings to make finding the perfect place to eat as easy as possible.
Perhaps one of the most attractive features of the Acura RL among Hartford Acura drivers is the SH-AWD system. This all-wheel drive system makes all weather driving very easy, and it even helps add traction in quick cornering. This AWD system also does an excellent job of transferring torque where it’s needed for optimal performance.
Unlike its competitors which at least offer a V8 engine as an option, the Acura RL only provides a V6 engine. While this limits power, the 3.7 liter V6 should provide ample power for the needs of most drivers. Luckily, like most Honda V6 engines, it offers a high reline and sounds great under high revs. Despite having only a V6, the RL isn’t exactly the most fuel efficient car in its class, which may be disappointing to plenty of potential buyers. The EPA rates the Acura RL at 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
Despite offering an attractive all-around package, Acura’s RL is unfortunately showing its age. While previous model years have been gaining strength among buyers looking for Pittsburgh used Acuras, the new RL may be a slightly different story. The recently redesigned TL has grown in size, offers more power, and has almost the same dimensions for significantly less money. That being said, the RL still manages to deliver a little more horsepower and technology, but as it stands the TL is a better value, assuming you don’t mind the TL’s controversial styling.
Volvo Dives into Plug-in Hybrid Technology
Volvo has been struggling amid slumping global sales, but that hasn’t stopped the automaker from diving into research and development. One such as product of its R&D efforts is a new plug-in hybrid that will be due by 2012. Volvo has committed itself to producing a high mileage diesel-electric plug-in hybrid, but it has yet to confirm its plans to sell the vehicle in the U.S.Lexus ES Still Critical to Luxury Brand Lineup
As one Lexus’ most popular models, there will be plenty of drivers that will be happy to see a revamped Lexus ES 350 coming to showrooms later this month. While it may not be a full redesign, the updating certainly brings needed enhancements.Euro Civic Type-R Teases U.S. Consumers
In the U.S., Honda is mostly known for producing somewhat conservative, economical cars. However, the image of Honda outside of the States is far more performance oriented. This is attributed to a range of models that can be had overseas, but remain unavailable here.